The Quantum Advantage

On Israel’s 70th anniversary the Helen Diller Center for Quantum Science, Matter and Engineering was born at Technion. A $50 million gift from the Helen Diller Family Foundation affirms Technion’s global leadership in quantum science, matter and engineering.

T he Helen Diller Center is the first of its kind in Israel and is uniquely poised to advance basic sciences while using the principles of quantum mechanics to impact various engineering fields, and to develop applications for a range of industries. Research will focus on quantum computing and information processing; quantum communications; quantum sensing and detection; quantum simulations; simulators and quantum materials. The Center will also be a quantum hub for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The late Helen Diller

“The Technion is one of the preeminent institutions for technology in the world, and my parents thought this was an important investment for the future of Israel and humanity,” said Helen Diller’s daughter, Jackie Safier, President of the Helen Diller Family Foundation. “The new Helen Diller Center for Quantum Science, Matter and Engineering will help Israel secure its place in the next revolution in science and engineering.”

“Over the years, Technion has gained renowned experience in identifying the needs of industries and opportunities for developing the Israeli economy,” said Technion President, Prof. Peretz Lavie. “In the past, this experience has been demonstrated in many fields, including space and aeronautics, microelectronics, electro-optics, and nanotechnology. This ability has allowed Technion to lead historic shifts in Israeli society and play a vital role in building Israel as the ‘Start-up Nation’ – a globally recognized technological powerhouse.”

“The Technion is at the forefront of research in many areas involving quantum mechanics,” said Distinguished Prof. Mordechai (Moti) Segev. “Artificial atoms ‘quantum dots’ were first demonstrated by Prof. David Gershoni and students. Gadi Eisenstein and his team developed tiny, inexpensive atomic clocks that found their way into industry. This is where innovative theoretical concepts were developed by Profs. Netanel Lindner, Daniel Podolsky, Assa Auerbach and their students in the area of quantum materials, with huge worldwide impact. These are only a few examples, out of very many, including some by my own team, such as our recent discovery of topological insulator lasers that started off as a quantum simulator system and evolved into devices with real potential impact on technology. The Helen Diller Family Foundation’s generous gift elevates the Technion to the pinnacle of quantum research institutions, and it is truly a game changer.”